This procedure covers the replacement of worn timing chain guides on the 2011-2014 Ford F-150 5.0L Coyote V8, requiring removal of the timing cover and setting the engine to TDC.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Timing chain guide kit (includes both guides) × 1 — Use OEM Ford specification
• Timing cover gasket × 1 — Use OEM Ford specification
• Valve cover gaskets (both banks) × 2 — Use OEM Ford specification
• Crankshaft front seal × 1 — Use OEM Ford specification
• Oil filter × 1 — Motorcraft FL-820-S or equivalent
• RTV silicone sealant × 1 — Motorcraft TA-31 or equivalent

Fluids

• Motorcraft 5W-20 Synthetic Blend — 7.5 qt
• Motorcraft Orange Coolant — 2 qt

Preparation

1. Ensure engine is completely cold before beginning work
2. Disconnect negative battery cable and wait 10 minutes for airbag system to discharge
3. Raise and secure vehicle on jack stands at all four corners
4. Remove engine appearance cover if equipped
5. Drain engine oil completely and remove oil filter
6. Drain coolant from radiator petcock and lower radiator hose
7. Remove radiator and cooling fan assembly for access
8. Remove serpentine drive belt and note routing
9. Mark timing chain positions with paint markers before disassembly
10. Clean work area and have clean containers ready for hardware organization

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove valve covers and accessory components
   Remove both valve covers by loosening bolts in reverse of tightening sequence. Remove ignition coils and spark plugs from both cylinder banks. Remove the alternator, A/C compressor (do not disconnect lines, secure aside), and power steering pump (leave hoses connected, secure aside). Remove the water pump pulley.
2. 2

   Remove crankshaft pulley
   Install crankshaft holding tool to prevent rotation. Remove the crankshaft pulley bolt (turns counterclockwise). Use a harmonic balancer puller to remove the crankshaft pulley from the front of the crankshaft. Do not use an impact wrench for removal as this can damage the crankshaft sensor reluctor ring.
   ⚠The crankshaft pulley bolt is extremely tight. Ensure the holding tool is secure before applying force.
   Torque spec

   Crankshaft pulley bolt (M16, tighten then +90°)100 Nm (74 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Rotate engine to TDC cylinder #1
   Rotate the crankshaft clockwise (viewing from front) until cylinder #1 is at top dead center on the compression stroke. Verify by checking that both camshaft lobes for cylinder #1 point outward (away from each other). The timing marks on both camshaft sprockets should align with their corresponding marks on the cylinder head. Mark this position clearly with paint on the sprockets and chains.
   ⚠Accurate TDC positioning is critical. Double-check that all timing marks align before proceeding.
4. 4

   Remove timing cover
   Remove all timing cover bolts, noting the different lengths and locations. There are both 8mm and larger bolts; keep them organized. The timing cover is sealed with RTV silicone. Carefully pry the cover away from the engine block using designated pry points only. Do not damage the sealing surfaces. Remove the cover and set aside.
   ⚠Prying in the wrong location can crack the aluminum timing cover. Use only designated pry points.
5. 5

   Install camshaft holding tools
   Install camshaft holding tools on both the right and left cylinder head camshafts. These tools engage flats machined on the rear of the camshafts and prevent rotation during timing chain removal. Verify tools are fully seated and secure.
   ⚠️Camshaft holding tools MUST be installed before loosening timing chain components to prevent engine rotation and loss of timing.
6. 6

   Release timing chain tensioners
   Compress and lock both primary timing chain tensioners using the tensioner compression tool. Insert a lock pin or appropriate wire to hold each tensioner in the compressed position. This releases tension on the timing chains. Remove the tensioner bolts and remove both tensioners from the engine.
   ⚠Tensioners are under spring pressure. Control the tensioner during compression to prevent injury.
7. 7

   Remove camshaft sprocket bolts
   With camshaft holding tools in place, remove the camshaft sprocket bolts from all four camshafts (two per cylinder bank). The camshaft holding tools prevent the camshafts from rotating during bolt removal. Keep track of which bolt goes to which camshaft.
8. 8

   Remove timing chains and sprockets
   Carefully remove both primary timing chains from the crankshaft sprocket and camshaft sprockets. Remove the camshaft sprockets. Mark the orientation of all components. If replacing chains, note the exact routing around guides and tensioner arms. Remove the crankshaft sprocket if necessary using a puller.
   ℹ️Take detailed photos of chain routing before removal. The Coyote engine uses a complex dual-chain system.
9. 9

   Remove worn timing chain guides
   Remove the timing chain guide bolts securing the worn guides to the engine block and cylinder heads. There are multiple guide locations including upper guides, lower guides, and cassette guides. Inspect each guide for wear grooves, cracks, or missing material. Remove all guides that show wear.
   ℹ️Examine the timing chain for matching wear patterns. Excessive guide wear often indicates the chain should also be replaced.
   Torque spec

   Timing chain guide bolts12 Nm (106 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Clean and inspect all surfaces
    Thoroughly clean all timing cover and engine block mating surfaces using a gasket scraper. Remove all old RTV silicone and gasket material. Clean the crankshaft front seal bore. Inspect the timing cover for cracks or damage. Inspect all sprockets for wear. Check that oil passages in the block are clear and not clogged.
    ⚠Any RTV residue left on sealing surfaces will cause oil leaks. Ensure surfaces are completely clean.
11. 11

    Install new timing chain guides
    Install the new timing chain guides in the exact positions of the old guides. Apply threadlocker to the guide bolts if specified by the manufacturer. Tighten the timing chain guide bolts and other guide bolts to specification. Ensure all guides are properly seated and aligned before final torquing.
    Torque spec

    Timing chain guide bolts12 Nm (106 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reinstall timing chains and sprockets
    Install the crankshaft sprocket if removed. Route the timing chains around the new guides exactly as marked during removal. Install the camshaft sprockets, ensuring timing marks align with TDC marks. Verify the crankshaft is still at TDC for cylinder #1. Install camshaft sprocket bolts finger-tight only at this stage.
    ⚠️Verify all timing marks are perfectly aligned before tightening any bolts. Misalignment will cause engine damage.
13. 13

    Install tensioners and torque camshaft bolts
    Install both timing chain tensioners with lock pins still engaged. Tighten tensioner bolts to specification. With camshaft holding tools still in place, torque all four camshaft sprocket bolts to specification. Release the tensioner lock pins to apply tension to the chains. Verify all timing marks still align after tensioners are released.
    ⚠After releasing tensioners, recheck all timing marks. Chain slack may cause slight movement.
14. 14

    Install new timing cover and seal
    Install a new crankshaft front seal into the timing cover using a seal driver. Apply a continuous bead of RTV silicone sealant to the timing cover sealing surface and to the engine block surface per Ford specifications. Install the timing cover gasket. Position the timing cover carefully onto the engine and install all bolts finger-tight. Tighten the 8mm timing cover bolts first in the specified sequence, then tighten all other timing cover bolts to specification.
    ℹ️RTV sealant must cure for at least 30 minutes before adding oil. Follow manufacturer cure time specifications.
15. 15

    Reinstall crankshaft pulley and accessories
    Install the crankshaft pulley onto the crankshaft. Install the crankshaft pulley bolt and tighten to specification using the crankshaft holding tool. Reinstall the water pump pulley, power steering pump, A/C compressor, and alternator. Install new valve cover gaskets and reinstall both valve covers, tightening bolts in the specified sequence. Reinstall spark plugs and ignition coils.
    Torque spec

    Crankshaft pulley bolt (M16, tighten then +90°)100 Nm (74 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Install serpentine drive belt following the routing diagram on the belt routing decal
2. Reinstall radiator and cooling fan assembly
3. Reconnect all electrical connectors and vacuum lines
4. Install new oil filter and refill engine with 7.5 quarts of Motorcraft 5W-20 oil
5. Refill cooling system with Motorcraft Orange Coolant, bleeding air as necessary
6. Reinstall engine appearance cover
7. Reconnect negative battery cable

Verification

• Before starting engine, manually rotate crankshaft two complete revolutions clockwise and verify timing marks realign at TDC
• Check for any binding or unusual resistance during manual rotation
• Start engine and listen for any abnormal timing chain noise or rattling
• Allow engine to reach operating temperature and verify no oil leaks from timing cover or valve covers
• Check for coolant leaks at all connections
• Verify oil pressure is normal on instrument cluster
• Road test vehicle under various loads and verify smooth operation with no timing-related noises
• Recheck timing cover and valve cover areas for leaks after first drive cycle

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